Boundaries: Avoid being crushed by elephant toes

[Jolly Well]

The hospital where we delivered asked me to come to an event they are having in May. They already have a balloon artist who does "[i]a little magic[i]," but the event coordinator asked me to do "a little bit of everything."

Stiltwalking is what his initial inquiry was about, but it grew into a variety show request by the end of the discussion. I've no problem with that, and actually prefer it to a straight stilting gig (I feel like I give the customer more bang for the buck that way).

Anyhow, I've never worked an event before where there could potentially be a conflict with over-stepping boundaries with another performer (balloon guy). Generally, when I hire out to do balloons/magic/whatever - I fill that role only if there are other performers (I stroll with magic while the balloonist does balloons, etc). Most of the time when I'm hired to do a variety show - I'm the only person performing that type of entertainment.

So all in all, there are few encroachments. This event will be my first where there is a real potential for crossing into another's boundaries. Looking for suggestions as to deal with this?

I have no way of contacting the other guy - I can't even remember his name. I obviously don't plan on setting up a balloon line, but feel I'm an adequate enough twister to offer the crowd a decent balloon here and there; or should I just leave them behind and focus on the remainder of my talent list?

Entertainers are few and far between in my area - I'd hate to start off on the wrong foot with one of the few that are close by.

Man, I hate disorganization

[Fitzwilly]

I would take the balloons along. It really depends on how good of an entertainer he is. If he is a good balloonist then he wouldn't mind if you made a few simple things (especially if you made them while on stilts) that way he could show off with the "good stuff." On the other hand if he is not very good you might be able to make more of a miniture show out of making a larger piece (Ken Stillman's Super Heros for example) and then station them around the event instead of giving them away to a child and having everyone want one.